Happy National Bloody Mary Day!

Spicy Bloody Mary at John’s Place in Chicago; Photo taken by Megy Karydes

One of my favorite drinks is being celebrated today!

There are as many myths surrounding the popular brunch drink’s origins as there are ways to make it but one thing is for sure: when the bartender makes a good one, you’ll remember it and figure out ways to return soon enough to enjoy it again.

Cheers to a new year, everyone. I hope it included a Bloody Mary.

Recipe for a Spicy Bloody Mary

2 ounces vodka

4 ounces tomato juice

1/2 ounce fresh-squeezed lemon juice

3 splashes of a hot sauce like Tabasco or Sriracha (I’m partial to Sriracha)

Megy Karydes is founder of Wandering Tastes, a lifestyle and travel site that is meant to inspire adventure and exploration through traveling and food. She’s also a regular contributor to 10best.com which is part of the USA Today Travel family and TravelingMom.com as Foodie TravelingMom among other print magazines and online media outlets.